DE102016003048A1 - DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ACTUATING MECHANICAL SWITCHES - Google Patents

Abstract

Devices and methods for actuating a switching means (SM) by means of an elastic actuating element with a non-actuating mold 4 without actuation of the switching means (SM) and an actuating mold 6 for actuating the switching means (SM).

Description

The present invention relates to the field of mechanical buttons and switches, and more particularly to devices and methods for the operation thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mechanical buttons and switches are usually intended to be operated by a person, usually by a finger or a hand, but also by foot. However, it may be necessary to use mechanical buttons and switches by technical means, for example in the context of functional tests of the button / switch and / or test a device with the button / switch.

An example of this are so-called e-cigarettes. There are e-cigarettes in which by means of a button (also called fire button) the evaporation process started (button pressed by the smoker / user) and finished (button is not pressed by the smoker / user). As with conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are also subjected to automated tests to detect, for example, substances emitted via the mouthpiece. In the case of the aforementioned e-cigarettes with a button, it is necessary to be able to actuate the button by means of a technical means.

TASK

The present invention has for its object to provide a solution for easy and inexpensive operation of a button or switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by devices and methods according to the independent claims. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuating element,

3 and 4 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuating element,

5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with two actuators,

6 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with two actuators,

7 and 8th show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuator disposed in a receptacle with receiving cavity,

9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with an actuator disposed in a receptacle with receiving cavity, and

10 and 11 an e-cigarette push-button actuator.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the figures, wherein in the figures at least substantially functionally identical elements have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, statements made for various embodiments also apply to all other embodiments, unless otherwise stated.

Furthermore, in the following buttons, switches and the like are collectively referred to as switching means.

A basic idea is to actuate a switching means by means of an elastic and pneumatically and / or hydraulically deformable actuating element.

The actuator may have a non-actuating form in which the actuator does not actuate the switch means and an actuator in which the actuator actuates the switch means. In its non-actuating form, the actuating element may be spaced from the switching means or contact the switching means only so that switching means is not actuated. In its operating form, the actuating element - if this was not already the case - contacted the switching means and exerts on the switching means a force which causes an actuation of the switching means.

The non-actuation of the actuator can be achieved by the pneumatic pressure and / or hydraulic pressure is not applied to the confirmation element, so that the switching means not contacted, or is subjected to a pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure that the switching means only so is contacted, that acts on the switching means no force, which leads to an actuation of the switching means.

The actuation of the actuating element can be achieved by the (a) pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure is applied to the confirmation element, so that the switching means - if this is not already the case - is contacted and acts on the switching means a force which leads to a Actuation of the switching means leads.

The actuating element may be arranged in a receptacle which may, for example, take the form of an annular groove, a space designed to receive a spherical actuating element or an oblong groove.

In the non-actuation form, the actuation element can be arranged completely in the receptacle (in particular in such a way that no region of the actuation element protrudes out of the receptacle) or in such a way that it partially extends out of the receptacle. In both cases, the actuator is either spaced from the switching means or contacts this at best so that there is no actuation of the switching means. This also applies to cases in which the switching means at least partially protrudes into the receptacle.

In the non-actuation form, the actuation element may extend out of the receptacle far enough that an actuation of a switching means arranged outside the receptacle occurs, or be deformed in the receptacle in such a way that actuation of a switching means protruding at least partially into the receptacle occurs ,

The actuating element comprises at least one elastically deformable material, such. As rubber, silicone or other specialty plastics.

Embodiments with an actuating element are suitable, for example, for switching means which have a first switching position (eg switched off / switched on) and can be brought into a second switching position (eg switched on / off) by means of the actuating element and the first switching position is automatically / occupy automatically when the actuator has not operated the switching means or again taken the non-actuating form. For example, for this purpose, for example, by means of spring force in a first position biased buttons or toggle / rocker switch.

Furthermore, embodiments are provided with two actuators, in particular to actuate switching means, which also have first and second switching positions, but not take the first switching position automatically / automatically, but - as in the case of the second switching position SSt2 - to bring into this. Examples of this are toggle / rocker switches, which are biased in none of the switch positions (as they are to be found, for example, as a light switch in apartments).

In such embodiments, it is provided to bring the switching means of the first switching position SSt1 in the second switching position and by means of a second actuating element, the switching means of the second switching position SSt2 in the first switching position by means of a first actuating element.

The actuator may be in the form of, for example, a ring, a ball or an elongated member, each having an actuator cavity in which pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure can be built up and removed to controllably deform the actuator from the non-actuation shape to the actuation shape and back again, as well as to maintain non-actuation shape and the actuation shape.

Additionally or alternatively, a receiving cavity may be provided, which is arranged between an inner side of a receptacle for an actuating element and an outer side of the actuating element. Pneumatically and / or hydraulically, pressure may be built up and removed in the receiving cavity to controllably deform the actuating element, starting from the non-actuating form into the actuating form and back again, as well as to maintain non-actuating form and operating mode.

Actuators having an actuator cavity may include a first actuator port through which pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure may be supplied from a pressure generating source, for example via a conduit or hose, into the actuator cavity. The first actuator terminal can also serve remove / reduce existing in the actuator cavity of an actuator pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure. Alternatively, this can be provided for this purpose a second actuator terminal, which can connect, for example, controllably the actuator cavity with the ambient atmosphere / air.

In the case of a receiving cavity, it may have a first receiving port through which pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure can be supplied from a pressure generating source, for example via a conduit or hose, into the actuator cavity. The first receiving port may also serve to remove / reduce existing dramatic and / or hydraulic pressure in the actuator cavity of an actuator. Alternatively, a second receiving connection can be provided for this purpose, which, for example, can controllably connect the actuating element cavity to the ambient atmosphere / air.

The pressure generating source can be controlled by means of a control device for generating pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure and its delivery to an actuating element. Additionally or alternatively, the first port may be controlled to selectively establish or discontinue fluid communication between the pressure generating source and the actuator lumen of the actuator. In the case of a second port, it may be controlled to selectively establish or discontinue fluid communication between the actuator lumen of the actuator and the environment.

1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuating element for actuating a switching means SM, here by way of example a first switching position SSt1 biased button T.

1 shows the actuator 2 in his non-activity form 4 and 2 shows the actuator 2 in his form of operation.

The actuator 2 has an actuator cavity 8th on.

The actuator 2 has in its non-activity form 4 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. The actuator 2 can in its non-activity form 4 have an elongated shape (ie, extend perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) or be annular (ie, extend radially about a point in the plane of the drawing).

The actuator 2 is arranged a receptacle and has a first actuating element connection, not shown here, which has a fluid connection between the actuating element cavity and a pressure generating source.

The button T is for example by means of a spring F in a first in 1 shown biased position SSt1 and can by means of a force acting in the drawing plane downward force in a second, in 2 shown switching position SSt2 are moved. The latter represents an actuation of the button T.

When the actuator cavity 8th The actuator is deformed via the first actuator connection, the actuator deforms 2 from the non-actuation form 4 from 1 in the form of operation of 2 and contacts the button T and acts with a force in the direction of arrow P on the button T, whereby it is actuated, that is moved against the biasing force in the first switching position SSt1.

When in the actuator 2 Cavity existing pressure across the first actuator terminal (or alternatively, a second actuator terminal as stated above) completely or at least as far drained / removed that the actuator 2 in his non-activity form 4 goes back or acting on the button T force of the actuating element 2 is smaller than the force acting on the button T force of the spring, the button T moves back to the first switching position SSt1.

3 and 4 show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuating element 2 for actuating a switching means SM, here by way of example a first switching position SSt1 biased toggle / rocker switch KWS.

3 shows the actuator 2 in his non-activity form 4 and 4 shows the actuator 2 in his form of operation.

The actuator 2 has an actuator cavity 8th on.

The actuator 2 has in its non-activity form 4 has a substantially round cross-section. The actuator 2 can in its non-activity form 4 have an elongated shape (ie, extend perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) or be annular (ie, extend radially about a point in the plane of the drawing).

The actuator 2 is a recording 10 and has a first actuator connection, not shown here, for fluid communication between the actuator cavity 8th and a pressure generating source.

The tilt / rocker switch KWS is, for example by means of a spring F in a first in 3 shown biased position SSt1 and can by means of a force acting in the drawing plane downward force in a second, in 4 shown switching position SSt2 are moved. The latter represents an actuation of the tilt / rocker switch KWS.

When the actuator cavity 8th The actuator is deformed via the first actuator connection, the actuator deforms 2 from the non-actuation form 4 from 3 in the form of operation of 4 and contacts the toggle / rocker switch KWS and acts with a force in the direction of arrow P on the toggle / rocker switch KWS, whereby it is actuated, that is moved against the biasing force in the first switching position SSt2.

When in the actuator cavity 8th existing pressure on the first actuator terminal (or alternatively a second actuator terminal as stated above) completely or at least as far discharged / removed that the actuator 2 in his non-activity form 4 returns or acting on the toggle / rocker switch KWS force of the actuator 2 is smaller than the force acting on the toggle / rocker switch KWS force of the spring, the toggle / rocker switch KWS moves back to the first switching position SSt1.

5 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with two actuators 2a and 2 B for actuating a switching means SM, here by way of example a rocker switch WS biased into no position.

5 shows the actuators 2a and 2 B in their non-activity forms 4 ,

The actuators 2a and 2 B are similar in terms of their cross-sectional shapes with the actuators of 1 , but can also have a different cross-sectional shape, for example, those of 3 ,

The actuator 2a has an actuator cavity 8a on and the actuator 2 B has an actuator cavity 8b on.

The actuators 2a and 2 B are each in a recording 10a and 10b arranged and each have a first actuator connection not shown here for a fluid connection between the respective actuator cavity 8a respectively. 8b and a pressure generating source.

The rocker switch WS can be a in 5 shown by a solid line first switch position SSt1 and a in 5 occupy the second switching position shown by the dashed line SSt2, by pivoting about an axis A, as indicated by the arrow PA.

When the actuator cavity 8a of the actuating element 2a is pressurized, deforms the actuator 2a from his non-activity form 4 in his form of activity 6 as they are for example in 2 is shown, contacted the rocker switch WS and acts with a force in the direction of the arrow P1 on the rocker switch WS, whereby it is actuated, that is moved to the second switching position SSt2.

Depending on the design of the rocker switch WS, it may be helpful to reduce the pressure in the actuator cavity 8a of the actuating element 2a to maintain the rocker switch WS in the second switching position SSt2. The same applies to the actuator cavity 8b of the actuating element 2 B ,

To bring the rocker switch WS back from the second switching position SSt2 to the first switching position SSt1, the actuating element cavity becomes 8b of the actuating element 2 B is pressurized, causing the actuator 2 B from his non-activity form 4 in his form of activity 6 as they are for example in 2 is shown, deformed, contacted the rocker switch WS and acts with a force in the direction of the arrow P2 on the rocker switch WS, whereby it is actuated, that is moved to the first switching position SSt1. This may possibly be necessary, the pressure in the actuator cavity 8a of the actuating element 2a before or simultaneously with the pressure build-up in the actuator 8b of the actuating element 2 B to reduce or remove.

6 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with two actuators 2a and 2 B for actuating a switching means SM, here by way of example a toggle switch KS biased into no position.

6 shows the actuators 2a and 2 B in their non-activity forms.

The actuators 2a and 2 B are similar in terms of their cross-sectional shapes with the actuators of 1 , but can also have a different cross-sectional shape, for example, those of 3 ,

The actuators 2a and 2 B are each in a recording 10a respectively. 10b arranged and each have a first actuator connection not shown here for a fluid connection between the respective actuator cavity 8a respectively. 8b and a pressure generating source.

The toggle switch KS can be a in 5 shown by a solid line first switch position SSt1 and a in 5 occupy the first switching position shown by the dashed line SSt2, by pivoting about an axis A, as indicated by the arrow PA.

When the actuator cavity 8a of the actuating element 2a is pressurized, deforms the actuator 2a from his non-activity form 4 in his form of activity 6 as they are for example in 2 is shown, contacts the toggle switch KS and acts with a force in the direction of the arrow P1 on the toggle switch KS, whereby it is actuated, that is moved into the first switching position SSt2.

Depending on the design of the toggle switch KS, it may be helpful to reduce the pressure in the actuator cavity 8a of the actuating element 2a to maintain the toggle switch KS in the second switching position SSt2.

In order to bring the toggle switch KS back from the second switching position SSt2 to the first switching position SSt1, the actuating element cavity becomes 8b of the actuating element 2 B is pressurized, causing the actuator 2a from his non-activity form 4 in his form of activity 6 as they are for example in 2 is shown, deformed, contacted the toggle switch KS and acts with a force in the direction of the arrow on the toggle switch KS, whereby it is actuated, that is moved to the first switching position SSt1. This may possibly be necessary, the pressure in the actuator cavity 8a of the actuating element 2a before or simultaneously with the pressure build-up in the actuator cavity 8b of the actuating element 2 B to reduce or remove.

7 and 8th show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with an actuating element, which in a receptacle 10 with recording cavity 12 is arranged. Alternatively, the actuator may further comprise an actuator cavity as discussed above 8th exhibit.

The recording 10 has a recording port 14 for fluid communication between the receiving cavity 12 and a pressure generating source 16 on.

The actuator 2 has in its non-activity form 4 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, but may also have a different cross-section, such as a round. The actuator of these embodiments may be in its non-actuating form 4 have an elongated shape (ie extending perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) and be secured at its ends.

When the recording cavity 12 over the recording connection 14 is pressurized, deforms the actuator 2 from the non-actuation form 4 from 7 in the form of actuation 6 from 8th , In the embodiments provided herein, it may be helpful if the actuator 2 at its ends and / or other areas (eg on inner walls of the receptacle 10 ) is attached, thus actuating element 2 not from the recording 10 is urged.

When in the receiving cavity 12 existing pressure over the recording port 14 (Alternatively, a second receiving port as stated above) is drained / removed, the actuator goes 2 due to its elasticity possibly also due to a connection with an inside of the receptacle 10 his non-activity form 4 back.

9 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment with an actuating element 2 that in a recording 10 with recording cavity 12 is arranged. Alternatively, the actuating element 2 Further, as stated above, an actuator cavity 8th exhibit.

The recording 10 has a receiving port for fluid communication between the receiving cavity 12 and a pressure generating source 16 (see eg. 7 and 8th ) on.

The actuator 2 has in its non-activity form 4 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, but may also have a different cross-section, such as a round. The actuator 2 of these embodiments may be in its non-actuating form 4 be annular (eg comparable to an O-ring).

The recording cavity 12 is, as shown, only in one area of the picture 10 present, but may be like the actuator 2 extend annularly.

When the recording cavity 12 The actuator is deformed via the first intake port 2 from the non-actuation form shown 4 in an indicated by dashed lines actuation form 6 , As the actuator 2 is annular, can attach to a fixture in the receptacle 10 be waived.

When in the receiving cavity 12 existing pressure is drained / removed, the actuator goes 2 due to its elasticity its non-actuation form 4 back.

10 and 11 show schematic views of an embodiment for actuating a button T of an e-cigarette. This embodiment comprises a substantially annular holder H with a through opening DO through which an e-cigarette EZ fits. The holder H has a means for securing the e-cigarette EZ in the holder H; As shown, a threaded pin GS is provided for this purpose, which can be screwed in to secure the E-cigarette EZ and unscrewed to release the same.

The holder H has a receptacle 10 for an actuator 2 and a receiving cavity 12 on. In this regard, the embodiment of 10 and 11 with the embodiment of fixed point 9 comparable.

10 shows the actuator 2 in his non-activity form 4 , in which case the receiving cavity 12 not or only so pressurized is that the actuator 2 is not or only so deformed that a button T of the e-cigarette is not operated.

11 shows the actuator 2 in his form of operation 6 , in which case the receiving cavity 12 is pressurized so that the actuator 2 is deformed so that the button T of the E-Cigarette EZ is pressed.

Claims (7)

Actuating device for a switching device SM, comprising - an elastic actuating element ( 2 ; 2a . 2 B ) with a non-actuation form ( 4 ) without actuation of the switching means (SM) and an actuating form ( 6 ) for actuating the switching means (SM), and - at least one of the actuating element ( 2 ; 2a . 2 B ) associated cavity ( 8th ; 8a . 8a ; 12 ), which is acted upon by pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure to the actuating element ( 2 ; 2a . 2 B ) from the non-actuation form ( 4 ) in the form of actuation ( 6 ) bring to. Actuating device according to claim 1, in which - the actuating element ( 2 ; 2a . 2 B ) of a recording ( 10 ) is arranged and - the at least one of the actuating element ( 2 ; 2a . 2 B ) associated cavity ( 8th ; 8a . 8a ; 12 ) one in the recording ( 10 ) receiving cavity ( 12 ). Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one of the actuating element ( 2 ; 2a . 2 B ) associated cavity ( 8th ; 8a . 8a ; 12 ) one in the actuator ( 2 ; 2a . 2 B ) formed actuator cavity ( 8th ; 8a . 8b ). Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element ( 2 ; 2a . 2 B ) is annular. Actuating device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one fluid connection of the at least one actuating element ( 2 ; 2a . 2 B ) associated cavity ( 8th ; 8a . 8b ; 12 ) to a pressure generation source ( 16 ). Method for actuating a switching means SM using the device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising - Applying at least one of the actuating element associated cavity with pneumatic and / or hydraulic pressure to bring the actuator from the non-actuating form in the operating form. An e-cigarette push button actuator comprising - a holder (H) and - An actuator according to one of the claims 1 to 5.

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